Applications Manager/ In-plant Operations Manager - (Ink Industry)

Job Purpose

To lead and oversee Flint Group South Africa’s Applications Function by providing technical and applications expertise whilst supporting Regional Application Teams and ensuring efficient service delivery at customer sites. The role focuses on optimizing operational performance, maintaining strong customer support and promoting a culture of continuous improvement while championing health and safety standards across all application activities.

Duties & Responsibilities

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage headcount and workforce planning across all in-plant operations.

• Ensure smooth and efficient operations at all in-plant customer sites.

• Conduct and manage press trials at customer facilities to support product performance and process optimization.

• Provide national applications support to the sales team to strengthen customer relationships and ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.

• Control, maintain, and manage all in-plant equipment, ensuring proper functionality and compliance with operational standards.

• Prepare and submit monthly operational reports, including in-plant performance and record cards.

• Provide technical assistance and troubleshooting for printing, ink performance and any other application-related issues.

• Coordinate and facilitate training programs for Ink Technicians to improve technical capability and operational efficiency.

• Lead and mentor the Applications Team to deliver best-in-class applications support to customers.

• Provide expert guidance on ink performance, print optimization, and troubleshooting in all relevant printing processes.

• Support on press trials, product qualifications, and the introduction of new technologies at customer sites.

• Ensure rapid resolution to print defects, adhesion issues, colour consistency challenges, and substrate compatibility problems.

• Translate technical developments into practical press-side solutions to enhance print performance and production efficiency.

• Ensure contract compliance by delivering on technical commitments and meeting agreed service level agreements (SLAs).

• Conduct periodic operational reviews with customers to evaluate performance against agreed KPIs and identify continuous improvement opportunities.

• Act as the key link between the Technical and Applications teams, ensuring effective communication, alignment, and successful implementation of technical solutions in the field.

Desired Experience & Qualification

SPECIALIST REQUIREMENTS (Skills, Experience, Training)

• Strong technical expertise in ink and printing technologies, with particular focus in packaging applications.

• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple operational demands.

• Strong team player with the ability to collaborate across technical, sales, logistics and operations teams.

• Excellent reporting and documentation skills, ensuring accurate and timely operational reporting.

• Comprehensive knowledge of the ink and packaging market, including industry trends and customer requirements.

• Solid project management skills with the ability to manage trials, implementations, and technical projects.

• Proven leadership capabilities, with experience guiding and supporting technical teams.

• Commitment to continuous development and improvement of processes, products, and team capabilities.

• Strong people and interpersonal skills, enabling effective engagement with customers and internal teams.

• Advanced problem-solving and analytical abilities to diagnose and resolve technical and operational issues.

• Willingness and ability to travel extensively to support national operations and customer sites.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Advantageous : Certificate / Diploma / Degree in Printing / Chemistry / Chemical Engineering or Packaging

• Advantageous : 5 to 10 Years’ experience in the Ink manufacturing / printing industry

• Ideally 5 years, or more, managerial experience

• Good computer literacy and skills in MS Office and ERP systems